MIFlyer,
I would recommend staying at the Marriott downtown. This will be close to on of the main squares (Leidse Plein) and an excellent location to go for a beer. You may also want to take the tram, which I believe stops right in front of the hotel, and go down to Koning plein which also has a few nice pubs.
When you come back, let us all know your findings.
BA Fan